Monday, 13 April 2015

PIA News Dispatch - Wednesday, April 8, 2015

President Aquino declares 2015 as ‘Visit the
Philippines Year’

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed
Proclamation No. 991, declaring 2015 as ‘Visit the Philippines Year’, as the
country gears up for the hosting of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) Forum.

The proclamation, which was signed by the
President last March 30, stated that the APEC Forum and the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations Tourism Forum in 2016 will both promote the country as
a host for meetings, conventions and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific.

Proclamation No. 991 also recognizes the need to
consolidate the activities of the public and private sectors into one Calendar
of Events to showcase the outstanding work of Filipinos in music and arts,
lifestyle and entertainment, sports and adventure, business, and history and
culture, as well as unveil the many historic treasures, natural wonders and
unforgettable adventures of the country.

The proclamation acknowledges that tourism can be
used to mobilize resources to enhance infrastructure and product development,
generate employment and suitable investments; and serve as a platform for
closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the
international community in hosting events that attract international visitors
and showcase local talents and skills.

To support the celebration of the Visit the
Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, all government agencies are directed to submit to
the Department of Tourism (DOT), through the Tourism Promotions Board, their
lists of international and local events and activities for inclusion in the VPY
2015 Calendar of Events; and use the VPY 2015 logo in all their promotional
materials.

All Philippine embassies and consular offices, as
well as the Department of Trade and Industry and DOT foreign offices are
instructed to ensure the publicity and dissemination of information regarding
VPY 2015, while the Postmaster General shall design, print and issue a special
stamp.

The private sector, especially companies involved
in hotel and lodging, travel and tours, transportation, retail and souvenirs,
and restaurants are encouraged to support VPY 2015 by developing relevant tour
programs and packages for both foreign and local tourists; and all public and
private schools and universities are encouraged to initiate projects and events
related to the theme of VPY 2015.

Under the proclamation, all other government
departments, bureaus, and offices, as well as all local government units are
also enjoined to support and cooperate with the Department of Tourism.

With regards to funding, all concerned agencies
are authorized to charge against their current appropriations all amounts
necessary to implement Proclamation No. 991, subject to existing budgetary,
accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. PND (jm)

President Aquino to lead 73rd Commemoration of Day
of Valor

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday will
lead the 73rd commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the
Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.

The Araw ng Kagitingan, also known as Bataan Day,
is observed on the 9th day of April every year by virtue of Republic Act No.
3022 and is a holiday nationwide.

The event coincides with the yearly observance of
Philippine Veterans Week to celebrate and honor the bravery of Filipino
soldiers who fought in the name of freedom and patriotism during World War II.

Officials from the military will join President
Aquino during the morning ceremonial rites in Bataan, along with Defense
Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, and Japanese
Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa.